- - What to do?
(http://www.horseforum.com/horse-training/what-do-26770/)

AztecBaby

04-25-2009 08:24 PM

What to do?

Ok so two days ago i bought a 17.1hh OTTB Gelding, he has trailering issues and it took us about 1 hour to get him on(double straight load), once he was on he was fine. We got him home and he was extremely hyped up and he was dancing around on the lead so we decided to lead him around the paddock and show him where the fences were etc etc, as soon as we let him go he flew down to the bottom fence and over the other side there are a few other horses and galloped up and down the fence calling out to them until they came down when they came down he settled and was quite happy, but as soon as i lead him about 15meters away he starts dancing around and trying to rear he wont graze or anything and when we finally got him down to the yard to feed him he dances around and starts sweating up and wont eat and as soon as we let him go he goes galloping off to the back fence... He will let me groom/rug/pet/lead him and he is gentle and sweet as long as he is closer than 15 meters to the other horses, so what are your suggestions? Im a 13year old girl BUT i am a ratehr experienced rider/handler i have been riding since i was 4 or 5 and i have owned multiple horses, i am NOT scared of this horse i am just wondering what you think would help him settle down :-)

Walkamile

04-25-2009 08:32 PM

I think he needs time to settle in and become accustomed to the new routime. Be consistant with what you want to accomplish each time your with him and he'll settle.

I had to go back to some basic exercises with Walka last year due to his being to very attached to T and he was brushing me off. One session and we were back on track. Just needed to be reinforced.

So If you have an area that you can lunge for control or a round pen that might help gain his focus on you. Being new to your place, letting him settle and spending time is probably the top of the list .

Might also want to check to see if his feed/grain might be adding to the over energy. Others on the forum are very informative there and I'm sure you'll be getting some very good advice.

Good luck with him.

Qtswede

04-25-2009 09:06 PM

Remember that racehorses are often kept with a 'buddy'. Most of the time, it's a buddy horse, sometimes, though it's a goat, cat, whatever. He may just be anxious about being alone for the first time. I had a OTTB that was like that. Was from a great trainer, and that's just how they helped keep them relaxed. Good Luck!

AztecBaby

04-25-2009 10:29 PM

Thanks, I have to wait till tomorrow to get lunging gear for him because i havnt needed to lunge my other horses, do you think i should put side reins on him or not? and i could possibly let one of the other horses in with him but i dont want him to get to attached to it.. do you think it would be better if i let another horse in with him?

Jubilee Rose

04-25-2009 11:06 PM

If I were you, I'd wait a few more days before doing lunging, or any serious work. Your horse is still settling in and things are oh-so-new. My OTTB mare was a bit excited when she first arrived too... rearing and calling to the new horses. It's very normal. Your horse is being integrated into a entirely new group of animals. I agree with Walkamile, establish a routine with him, and make things as normal as possible, he'll settle in soon enough. In regards to other horses, you don't want him to become herd sour. Can you put him in a paddock with one other horse and then slowly integrate others? If being with another horse in the field or barn makes him feel more comfortable and relaxed, I don't see a problem with it... but once he's settled in, you can slowly start bringing him in the barn alone, so he get's used to it.